January 27, 2010 – Robust blood pressure measurements via fiberoptic sensors will be added to the Abiomed Impella percutaneous ventricular assist device (P-VAD).
Abiomed today announced a partnership with fiber optic senor manufacturer Opsens. The sensors will be integrated into the Impella catheter and will allow for further improvements in set-up time, as well as provide a high-quality pressure monitoring capability that can eventually be used to help automate the control and operation of the Impella pump.
Abiomed said unlike current fiber optic sensors used on other cardiac assist devices today such as intra-aortic balloons, Opsens' fiber optic sensor is designed to provide longer-term accuracy and reliability.
The Impella has supported more than 1,600 patients in the U.S. and more than 3,000 patients worldwide. Over the past fiscal year 2010, product enhancements to the Impella have included a new introducer sheath and a quick set-up software and kit, which have allowed customers to reduce the Impella set-up time from 11 minutes to two minutes.
For more information: www.abiomed.com
February 14, 2022 
